For years, the makeup artist has built an incredible body of work seen on global runways, commercials, and editorials. But now, she is ready to take her next big step: to show the world that she is built to last
This is an excerpt from December 2024-January 2025 Artist Confidential.
“One of the best hotpots in the country!” Thazzia Falek said with childlike glee, as we walked towards her favorite spot in Makati. Inside, the scene was surprisingly cinematic: wood- paneled walls, backlit fishtanks, and dim fluorescent lights that emanate an ambiance of a Wong Kar Wai film. “Modern hotpot restaurants can be found all over the city,” the makeup artist said with glee. “But this one, in particular, feels more traditional and authentic. I prefer dining here.”
That, somehow, gave the impression that she understood the true joy of living in the now. In between sips of spicy broth and bites of soft tofu, Falek told us how present-focused moments such as sharing a meal with her loved ones refuel her drive. “The industry we move in is so fast-paced. It requires you to be attentive with your clients and your shoots,” she emphasized. “But as an artist, you must also look after yourself: slow down, recharge, then create again. Take care of your energy.”
Coincidentally, energy is a common punchline you would hear from her — one thing that her friends at our table could confirm. And it’s magic. In a past conversation with her muse Nikki De Moura, she shared how the artist has this optimism that she passes on to everyone who sits on her makeup chair. “She brightens up the workroom every time she asks for an energy check,” De Moura said. “But that also speaks volumes about how she cares for everyone, and I admire that about her.”
In many ways, at least to me, her nature to care for everyone around her is deeply rooted in how love has always been present in her artistic journey.
Falek’s first introduction to beauty is through her family. “It all began with my fascination for my lola’s routine, I would always watch her do her makeup in her dressing room. Of course, there is also my tito, na laging inaayusan ako,” she reminisced. “Makeup is such a big part of my childhood, that’s why I was drawn to the idea of pursuing it.”
Then, the time came when it was her turn to hold the brushes. The experience was idyllic, as she would describe it: inviting her friends to model, playing with makeup, and posting it on social media with no pressure of engagements. But what she didn’t know then was that it was about to open a door to her first breakthrough. “I used to be based in San Francisco. One day, a producer messaged me and asked if I wanted to do makeup for a fashion show, and I said yes in a heartbeat! From there, it directed me to work backstage for Billabong and Jean-Paul Gaultier.”
Falek mostly feels gratitude for that opportunity. “Taking that risk changed the course of my life,” she said. “To be given that kind of trust means a lot. And to be trained in the bustle of fashion shows shaped me to become the creative that I am today.”
The conversation took a short pause for a segue of refills: bowls are replaced, broths are reloaded, and side dishes are replenished. “I also want to express how thankful I am for this opportunity,” she continued, revisiting moments of our recently-concluded shoot for the feature. “Everybody made time — some even moved around their schedules. It warms my heart to see the team and my muses make this happen.”
“Does that answer the question as to why you decided to stay in Manila?” I asked.
“I just fell in love with everything,” she replied with a smile.
Read more about how Thazzia Falek is living and creating in the moment in MEGA’s December 2024 to January 2025 issue, now available on Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio.
Photographed by BJ PASCUAL. Written by MARA GO. Art Direction BRIE VENTURA. Sittings Editor AGOO AZCUNA-BENGZON. Hair
DALE MALLARI. Styled by LYN ALUMNO and DM STUDIO for Bianca Umali and Ruru Madrid. Styling Assistants MJ ALMERO AND JJ ESLEYER. Makeup Assistants DELVI FLORES and SKY DAGGI. Second Photo Unit ALEXIS DAVE CO. Photography Assistants ABEL SANTOS, JOHN PAUL DELA CRUZ, EDMIL HILARIO SANTOS, JILMER CARLOS, RICHARD DETITA, and DAMIAN ESTRELLIS. Models BIANCA UMALI, BJ PASCUAL, EUGENE REGGIO, LYN ALUMNO, MIMIYUUUH, NIKKI DE MOURA, and RURU MADRID. Nails PAUSE BEAUTY LOUNGE and ELI NAILS for Thazzia Falek.
